Chicago, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the coming months there will be an unprecedented need for qualified personnel to safety administer the COVID-19 vaccine. NCSBN has issued a policy brief that recommends what personnel should administer the vaccine in order to protect the public. The brief specifically states, “COVID-19 vaccines can be safely administered by licensed practical nurses/vocational nurses (LPNs/VNs), registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), in addition to other licensed health care providers such as physicians, physician assistants and pharmacists.”
NCSBN Chief Officer, Nursing Regulation, Maryann Alexander, PhD, RN, FAAN, comments, “It is important that the general public trusts not only the vaccine they will be receiving but also the practitioner who is administering it.”
Boards of nursing (BONs) are assuring that there is a supply of licensed nurses who are safe and competent to administer this vaccine. Additionally, the formation of partnerships with nursing education programs where the services of student nurses can be employed to administer the vaccine under the supervision of faculty or other qualified, licensed personnel, is also vital.
“Nurses are and will continue to be the ‘tip of the spear’ in the fight against COVID-19 and it is fitting that they will be at the forefront of this unparalleled initiative of administering this crucial vaccine,” notes Alexander.
The policy in its entirety can be read here.
About NCSBN
Founded March 15, 1978, as an independent not-for-profit organization, NCSBN was initially created to lessen the burdens of state governments and bring together nursing regulatory bodies (NRBs) to act and counsel together on matters of common interest. It has evolved into one of the leading voices of regulation across the world.
NCSBN’s membership is comprised of the NRBs in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories — American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are three exam user members. There are also 27 associate members that are either NRBs or empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories.
Mission: NCSBN empowers and supports nursing regulators in their mandate to protect the public.
The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not individual members.